The Lucky Heiress

Wei Ruo explained, “The symptoms of pneumonia do not stay the same year after year. This year, Taizhou Prefecture experienced an unusual cold weather that we have never seen before. Under such abnormal climate conditions, the appearance of mutant symptoms is possible.

Wei Ruo continued, “Although these patients have different complications, the signs of pneumonia are still present in all of them. Their pulse, lung sounds, and many other symptoms all indicate this. So, I have reason to infer that the likelihood of pneumonia being the cause is the greatest.

Listening to Wei Ruo’s explanation, Doctor Cheng felt it made some sense. Even though he was older and more experienced, he was not a stubborn old man. Doctor Cheng recognized that there were times when it was necessary to adopt the opinions of the younger generation.

Especially in this case, after their group of veteran doctors could not effectively treat the disease using their past experiences, listening to new suggestions might offer a new way out.

“In that case, it may indeed be feasible to adjust the current pneumonia ? treatment method to see if it can have a beneficial effect on this disease,” Doctor Cheng remarked.

He then asked the other attendees, “What do you all think?”

The others expressed support. At this moment, everyone was united in their desire to aid the recovery of the sick, reduce deaths, and decrease the number of cases. Protecting the citizens also meant protecting their own families.

No one cared about who earned more credit, nor did anyone worry about whether their knowledge had been insulted.

Those with great medical skills also have their own weaknesses, and they were unashamed and unwilling to lose to a young person.

After determining the path forward, they began to discuss the prescriptions.

They communicated and coordinated in blending the medicines.

After a morning of discussion, the group settled on a new prescription.

“We’ll administer this medication to a few of the younger patients first, Doctor Cheng suggested.

Wei Ruo and the other doctors agreed with Doctor Cheng¹ s proposal.

Their decision was not biased towards any side, but they reasoned that if an unpredictable error occurred, younger individuals with stronger bodies could withstand the effects and would give them an opportunity for remedy.

Even though this approach was risky and could potentially harm some patients¹ health, it was the most practical and effective solution at the moment.

They could not afford to take their time and investigate more. The longer the delay, the more people would die.

In the afternoon, Wei Ruo and several other doctors attended to the selected patients.

The patient chosen was the bailiff of the magistrate, who was forty years old and strong. He and his family had given consent for Wei Ruo and the others to treat him.

In addition to administering medication, Wei Ruo also planned to perform acupuncture auxiliary treatment on the patient.

When Wei Ruo was applying acupuncture, Doctor Cheng and the others were watching. They were amazed to find that this young man called Xu Heyou was talented. Despite his age, his acupuncture techniques were skilled and exquisite, far surpassing the seasoned doctors.

After Wei Ruo finished the acupuncture, Doctor Cheng who had been silent for a while, couldn’t help but speak. “Master Xu, I never expected that you, despite being so young, could handle acupuncture so expertly!

Wei Ruo replied, “Doctor Cheng, you’re praising me too much. I still have a lot to learn from you all.”

Wei Ruo, like everyone else, didn’t become arrogant just because she was excelling at something. She recognized that these seasoned doctors might have skills she didn’t master yet. She needed to learn more.

After administering the acupuncture, Wei Ruo instructed the patient to take the medication before resting.

Their medicine was not a miracle drug; even if it worked, it would take some time to take effect. During this period, Wei Ruo and the others would take turns in keeping watch.

The others would not rest either. Some brewed medicines, some processed the herbs, some consulted medical books, and some gave instructions to Madam Yuan’s subordinates. Everyone did their part; no one slacked off.

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In the evening, Wei Ruo snuck a moment of respite in the break room where she hurriedly nibbled on a couple of mantou (Chinese bread), while her right hand flipped through a medical book.

As she ate, a figure suddenly appeared before her. Wei Ruo looked up to see who it was and was surprised.

“Second Brother?”

Confirming that it was Wei Jinyi, she turned to look out the window for a moment.

The guards inside and outside the courtyard were still on duty, preventing outsiders from casually entering and exiting.

But it was clear that the guards could not keep the second brother out, nor had they noticed that someone had sneaked in.

Wei Ruo then turned back and said to Wei Jinyi, “Second Brother, what brings you here?”

“I came to see you,” Wei Jinyi replied.

“How did you know I was here?”

“I guessed.”

“Your guess is remarkably accurate,” Wei Ruo couldn’t help but remark.

Wei Jinyi knew that Wei Ruo must have been helping Madam Yuan. It just took him some time to find this place.

Wei Jinyi’s eyes fell onto the big white bread in Wei Ruo’s hands, “Is this all you’re having for dinner?”

“It’s quick to prepare, and I don’t have much time. It’s not just mantou, but also stir-fried shredded meat with pickled vegetables. The taste isn’t too bad when you stuff the pickled vegetables in the bread,” Wei Ruo explained.

Wei Jinyi, however, frowned and then asked, “How’s the situation? Are you in danger?”

“Don’t worry, Second Brother. I have a strong body. Even if I really get infected,

I can withstand it.”

“So it’s likely that you’ll get infected?” Wei Jinyi read between the lines.

Wei Ruo didn’t answer, tacitly confirming his deduction.

She couldn’t avoid coming into contact with the patients now. Even if she had the protective gear, which was not the case, she would still be at risk of getting infected because of her need to administer acupuncture and closely observe patients.

SeeingWeiJinyi’sgloomyface.WeiRuotriedtoreassurehim, “Second Brother, don’t worry too much about me. I have confidence in treating this disease. Besides, I have a strong immune system and am not easily infected. Even if I do get infected, I can cure myself.”

Although she hadn’t cured any patient at the moment, Wei Ruo felt that her judgement was correct. Coupled with her discussion with the other doctors in the morning, she felt a high chance of success.

Seeing Wei Ruo’s confident face, Wei Jinyi said, “I trust you, I’ll stay and keep you company.”

“No, that’s not possible,” Wei Ruo refused.

“You said you’re confident in finding a cure, and I trust you. Unless you’re lying to me and you’re actually not confident,” Wei Jinyi countered.

“Of course not.”

“If that’s not the case, then there’s nothing wrong with me staying.” “Don’t you have your own business to take care of, Second Brother? You’ve finally gotten a few days off at home, shouldn’t you take a good rest?” “I’m in fine health and don’t need extra rest. Besides, I don’t think this is a good time to relax,” Wei Jinyi stated.

Almost everyone in Taizhou Prefecture was suffering from hunger and illness due to the upheaval. How could this be a time to relax?

Weo Ruo thought about it and mumbled, “Even if I don’t agree, you’ll still come, won’t you?”